'85 Tenere back shock... good enough?

[jim]

Hi Klaus and all,
I leave April for a trans Africa trip and id like somebodys opinion on the standard rear shock on a 85 Tenere. Do i need to upgrade it, if so will just a stronger spring do or do i need the whole dampner as well?

Thanks,
jim

[FredXTZ]

The original Yammie thing is one of the best quality. Don't go for a cheap replacement. To make sure take it to a professional repair shop [like the motorcross ones] and have it rebuilt, with fresh oil and gas, and ask for a new heat resistant rod seal! If the spring and/or the damping has become too weak, have them adjusted. A ful overhaul job like this costs about Euro 90,-- here.
Have fun and let us know how the trip goes!

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

[jim]

Hi Fred,

Thanks for the tip, thats really music to my ears - this trip is getting really expensive so every saving helps.
Good Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all at HU!
Jim

[aukeboss]

Sorry Jim,

I profoundly disagree with Fred. I do, as a matter of principle, by the way.
But, seriously, me and my then girlfriend did the same trip the other way. My original-yamaha-shock-with-overhaul packed up totally after 2000 kms in Sudan, hers packed up just after the Namib-SA border.
It is not bad, that shock, but not good enough for this purpose. So, get a at least a stronger spring (go for a 135 kg / cm spring, with all the luggage) and an overhaul, or better, get a aftermarket unit.
Flying a replacement in to some godforsaken place and waiting for it is even more costly, and irritating .....

Just think of the 100ds of kms of corrugation .....

Succes!
Auke

[aukeboss]

Oh, and while you're at it, also change the front fork spings for progressive ones. The originals are far too soft.
Progressive, stiffer springs, will improve handling and braking.

Do'nt forget: put in new fork seals. Small investment, they'll bring you to Europe.

Auke

[giorgioXT]

I'm 100% with Aukeboss ...from my experiences the best thing you may make to a Teneré is to change the rear shock and fork springs; even only to cope with the surely increased weight, since ALL bikes are conceived for the use of a 75 kilo pilot w/o baggage ...even looked at the labels of "maximum permitted load" on the racks?

The originals are not bad, but a good aftermarket (even not the top-class and cost WP or Ohlins) even at look show its difference : shaft diameter, spring diameter, body thickness etc...

[Matt595]

Hello,

Yes better change for a fresh and strong rear shock!
Try the Fournales one, very good piece and very long life, because of its original conception with compressed air.
(cheap also)

http://www.fournales.fr

Mattias

[Chris Scott]

I recall that my Mark 1 Tenere (B reg whatever that is) was a great machine but did have very soft suspension. I didnt carry much of a load and half of it burned away anyway (see http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com/deserttravels , halfway down) but it was cranked up at the back and with the usual spacers in the front.
From D.Riders I can recommend K Tech 01530 810625 in Colville for alt springs - not expensive. Depending on your set up go up to 20% harder - but do it at both ends (we didnt) or it will handle like a sinking boat!

Chris S